Pollution board denies Quinn's petcoke regulations

CHICAGO — An Illinois pollution panel has denied emergency regulations to control piles of petroleum coke.

The Pollution Control Board made the decision on Thursday regarding statewide regulations proposed by Gov. Pat Quinn. The board's decision means the rules will go through the longer, regular rule-making process.

Quinn says he's responding to complaints from Chicago residents that petroleum coke piling up on the city's Southeast Side is a health and environmental threat.

Petcoke is a powdery fuel made by "cooking" residue left over after making gasoline and diesel.

Quinn wants to require storage terminals to immediately install dust-suppression systems and prevent storm water runoff. He also wants companies to fully enclose the piles within two years.

Industry officials say the rules would hurt Illinois businesses, and there's no need for emergency action.